The Green Dream

The brief

Our young professional clients came to us with a clear vision: to create a kitchen that embodied the principles of the circular economy. Their goal was to reduce waste and environmental impact by reusing, repurposing, and reimagining materials - resulting in a one-of-a-kind space with warmth, soul, and style.

They wanted a kitchen that was fun, eclectic and playful, yet grounded in sustainable design and rustic farmhouse charm - a creative expression of their personalities and values.

The design

This kitchen is a true celebration of reuse, resourcefulness and reinvention, with 90% of materials reclaimed, recycled or repurposed. The result is an inspiring blend of old and new, with thoughtful details that speak to the clients’ personal histories and creative spirit.

The majority of the cabinetry came from a refurbished ex-Smallbone kitchen, removed from a previous project and lovingly restored. To complement these reused units:

• A new bi-folding tall spice cupboard was made to match,
• A bespoke sink cupboard, housing a reclaimed farmhouse sink, was designed with an oriental-inspired aesthetic, featuring round cut-out handles and cock bead detailing to tie in with the rest of the design,
• One of the wall units was converted into a plate rack, a nostalgic nod to the client’s childhood kitchen.

A standout feature is the refurbished retro Hoosier-style cabinet, reimagined as a drinks cupboard and bar area complete with reeded glass and a pull-out table bar—bringing vintage charm with a contemporary twist.

The mantle-effect wall feature conceals a downdraft extractor, while a reclaimed wood beam with integrated lighting frames the scaffold-board oven housing. High tongue-and-groove wall panelling was used to bring warmth and scale to the tall ceilings, creating a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

A carefully balanced mix of fitted and freestanding furniture offers flexibility for future changes and reflects the clients’ evolving lifestyle. Key reclaimed pieces include:

• An old school locker cupboard, repurposed on a mobile island with heavy-duty castors for easy movement,
• The island doubles as a mobile DJ booth for one of the clients -an aspiring DJ - complete with flexible floor electrics,
• Antique French consul tables offer versatile surface space throughout the kitchen,
• Recycled granite offcuts were used for the worktops, combining durability with sustainability for the couple’s avid cooking sessions,
• A reclaimed wine rack above the worktop acts as a sculptural, practical feature.

The floor is finished with reclaimed Victorian tiles, and the bench seating area incorporates corrugated metal cladding salvaged from the original converted barn structure, giving a tactile, industrial nod to the building’s history.

This kitchen is more than just a functional space—it’s a manifesto for sustainable, creative living. Every detail reflects a belief in beauty, heritage and purpose, proving that eco-conscious design can be just as luxurious, personal, and joyful as any new-build concept.

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